San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC) envisions a future in which people with developmental disabilities participate in community life organically. SG/PRC is dedicated to ensuring that children and adults with developmental disabilities have access to services and supports that promote independence and autonomy in how they achieve their life goals and dreams. SG/PRC through grassroots efforts and partnering with self-advocates and their family members is committed to diligently expanding choice, and flexible service delivery options tailored to create unlimited opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
Power in Unity
Our history is important as it has taught us that there is power in unity and intentional actions. Parent advocates have been at the center of unified action, collaboration, and partnerships, and they are determined to ensure that SG/PRC stays in front of the needs of individuals served and their families.
From the early 1950s to 1980s, pioneers such as Vivian Walters, Rosella Alm, Sally Milano, Joanne East, and Bonnie Clemens have left a blueprint for regional centers to follow protecting localized service delivery that embrace the unique characteristics and needs of the community. This has not always been the case with SG/PRC. Although San Gabriel Valleys Regional Center was established in 1977, during 1985 it was annexed by Inland Regional Center and was called “Inland Regional Center West.”
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center was reinstated in 1986 through heroic efforts and the unwavering spirit of parent-advocates such as Rosella Alm, Sally Milano, Joanne East, and Bonnie Clemens.
Ms. Rosella Alm and Ms. Sally Milano have left remarkable footprints in the history of SG/PRC. Ms. Alm’s advocacy spirit was inspired by her son who was biracial and born with a developmental disability in the 1960’s. During this era, President John F. Kennedy brought awareness to the nationwide neglect of people with developmental disabilities. During this time, children and adults with disabilities were institutionalized. The movement from de-institutionalize to localize services and supports for people with disabilities was memorialized through the Lanterman Act 1969, co-authored by Frank D. Lanterman.
Ms. Alm shared her vivid memory of learning about the Lanterman Act, which took place when attending a parent support group. She was informed that funding was now available to provide community-based services and supports to her son. Ms. Alm was elated but very quickly became aware of the disparity in accessing these funds. Ms. Alm’s conviction for “home is best” was the beginning of her advocacy to ensure people with developmental disabilities had access to localized services.
Ms. Milano shares with us how she and other parents of children with developmentally disabilities “felt left out of world.” Ms. Milano expressed that when San Gabriel Valleys merged with Inland Regional Center (IRC) in the mid 1980’s, parents in the San Gabriel Valley community were not in agreement. Ms. Milano shared that “the change in administration had a great impact on her son.” Ms. Milano strongly believed in Frank D. Lanterman’s vision for localized control. As such, Ms. Alm, Ms. Milano, Ms. East, and Ms. Clemens along with 40 other parents united to advocate for San Gabriel Valleys Regional Center to resume as a private nonprofit organization.
Distance would not be the barrier that deterred parent advocates. They courageously made their presence known and their voices heard! Parent advocates led by Ms. Alm, Ms. Milano, Ms. East, and Ms. Clemens travelled to Lone Pine, California to attend Inland Regional Center board meetings. These board meetings took place over 200 miles (approximately a 4-hour drive) from our local community!
Through the determination of community members, epic efforts of parent advocates, and extensive litigation, a legal decision was reached where parent advocates prevailed over the Department of Developmental Services. The Court ruled that regional centers were designed to operate under local control. This outcome protects all regional centers from state control moving forward. Immediately after the legal ruling, SG/PRC incorporated as the Program of San Gabriel/Pomona Valleys Developmental Services, Inc.
Indeed, heart guided advocacy is the core of SG/PRC …and growing partnerships widens the reach of SG/PRC’s mission. We know our unity demonstrated through SG/PRC’s pioneers, SG/PRC harnesses soul-force to create its exciting future and phenomenal outcomes for individuals served and their families for future generations. Currently, SG/PRC serves nearly 15,000 individuals with developmental disabilities.